Competent Communication Manual

The Competent Communication manual (often called the basic manual) helps you to develop the basic skills that you need to prepare and present an effective speech.

The manual is organized into ten separate projects, each with its own individual focus or objective. An extremely effective tool in developing your speaking skills, the Competent Communication manual never tells you exactly what to do or what to speak about, but rather it provides a set of guidelines for you to think about as you prepare your speech.

As an essential part of the Toastmasters program, another Toastmaster will evaluate each speech that you give, providing positive feedback and suggestions for improvement, as necessary

10 speeches to become Competent Toastmaster

1. The Ice Breaker (4-6 Minutes) To begin speaking before an audience and introduce yourself to your new club friends. To discover speaking skills you already have and skills that need some attention.

2. Organise Your Speech (5-7 Minutes) Select an appropriate outline which allows listeners to easily follow and understand your speech. Make your message clear, with supporting material directly contributing to that message. Use appropriate transitions when moving from one idea to another. Create a strong opening and conclusion.

3. Get to the Point (5-7 Minutes) Select a speech topic and determine its general and specific purpose. Organise the speech in a manner that best achieves those purposes. Ensure the beginning, body and conclusion reinforce the purposes. Project sincerity and conviction and control any nervousness you may feel. Strive not to use notes.

4 How to Say It (5-7 Minutes) Select the right words and sentence structure to communicate your ideas clearly accurately and vividly. Use rhetorical devices to enhance and emphasise ideas. Eliminate jargon and unnecessary words. Use correct grammar.

8. Get Comfortable with Visual Aids (5-7 Minutes) Select visual aids that are appropriate for your message and the audience. Use visual aids correctly with ease and confidence.

9. Persuade with Power (5-7 Minutes) Persuade listeners to adopt your viewpoint or ideas or to take some action. Appeal to the audience’s interests. Use logic and emotion to support your position. Avoid using notes.

10. Inspire Your Audience (8-10 Minutes) To inspire the audience by appealing to noble motives and challenging the audience to achieve a higher level of beliefs or achievement. Appeal to the audience’s needs and emotions, using stories, anecdotes and quotes to add drama. Avoid using notes.

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